The product stewardship programs account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All funds received from producers under this chapter and penalties collected under this chapter must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for administering this chapter. The department may not retain fees in excess of the estimated amount necessary to cover the agency’s administrative costs over the coming year related to the mercury light stewardship program under this chapter. Beginning with the state fiscal year 2018, by October 1st after the closing of each state fiscal year, the department shall refund any fees collected in excess of its estimated administrative costs to any approved stewardship organization under this chapter. Only the director of the department or the director’s designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to the allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.

Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.